The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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